868.01/7–1647: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Embassy in Greece
us urgent
1082. Ultel 1108 July 13. Brit Emb In Aide-Mémoire July 161 reported KKE proposals to Sophoulis and Tsouderos, and latter’s request to Brit Emb Athens for advice as to reply to be made to KKE. Bevin directed Brit [Embassy] to discuss matter urgently with Dept, suggesting that Tsouderos be informed by Brit and US Embs that they clearly cannot give Tsouderos, behind back of Greek Govt, advice about a proposal for replacing Govt. Bevin believes Tsouderos should inform PriMin of KKE proposals, and further suggests that there might be advantage in you and Brit colleague putting following points to Sophoulis and Tsouderos with view to indicating to them dangerous nature of KKE offer and to find out their reactions:
- (1)
- Do they think that King would be prepared evict present Govt and dissolve Parliament or that such action would be tolerated by majority of Greek people and specifically by Army and gendarmerie?
- (2)
- Can general amnesty be seriously considered or would new election even with “revised” electoral rolls give Center Parliamentary majority?
- (3)
- How could guarantee by UN or “allied factors” be implemented in practice if KKE later failed call off andarte2 campaign? Would not “guarantee” open way to Soviet interference in Greek internal affairs?
Dept has replied to Brit that while it sees no harm in obtaining Sophoulis’ and Tsouderos’ replies to above questions, we would prefer more bluntly informing them we consider KKE’s fair-sounding proposals to be insincere and dangerous, and that any serious consideration of them could only strengthen Communists hand and weaken any attempt that might be made to obtain positive action through UN.
Dept suggests that you inform your Brit colleague of foregoing and suggest that verbal reply along such lines be conveyed to Sophoulis and Tsouderos. If Brit wish confine themselves to Bevin’s suggestions you may convey Dept’s views independently, at the same time associating yourself with Brit reply in order not suggest difference between US and UK except in degree.
Dept fully concurs your remarks to Rendis (para 2 urtel 1040 July 7) and suggests they be repeated to Sophoulis and Tsouderos personally if possible. Re your suggestion that Dept discuss with Tsouderos inclusion Sophoulis or one of his lieutenants in broadened cabinet, Dept would appreciate early advice from you whether present may still be considered appropriate moment in light of military situation.
Dept would also appreciate your most immediate comments whether it would in your opinion be appropriate, in event of favorable UN action in SC, for Greek delegate to announce simultaneously Greek Govt’s intention to carry out recommendation of Balkan Commission for general amnesty under supervision foreign observers so soon as circumstances may permit.
Sent Athens 1082; rptd London 3088.